As the owner of a local business I was thrilled to read Win Smith's uplifting article, "Talk positively about what is good and getting better in The Valley." Although I have endured financial struggle this past year, I do recall how fabulous business was the winter prior to last.

At times I have been optimistic and other times desperate and given in to negativity. In my struggle, I have learned that negativity only feeds on itself and, consequently, things only get worse.

There are leaders and there are followers. There are those that make things happen and those that simply talk about making things happen. The responsibility of the entrepreneur is to stay true to his or her business and lend assertion and dedication necessary to rise above the hard times.

I recently considered leaving the Mad River Valley to relocate my business to Stowe, where things appear to be thriving. With conflict at hand, I stepped back to think about how much I love the town I live in and how fortunate I am to be here. Like a good athlete, I play a fair game and take pride in winning. Only optimism and perseverance can sunder the chains of negative desperation.

In conclusion, I'd like to thank Win Smith for planting a positive seed in my thinking. It is time we get together and start talking more positively about how we can manifest positive change to ensure more prosperous business for all.